#1 in My Weird School Series
Mr Macky Is Wacky!
What’s inside...
This is the 15th book in the My Weird School series, and it doesn't get any weirder. It's Presidents' Day and Mr. Macky, the reading specialist, actually expects A.J. and his friends to read stuff about the presidents. Not only that, he lives in a log cabin and thinks he's Abraham Lincoln. In fact, he is so convincing; the kids actually believe him. Now he wants to recreate honest Abe's big night at Ford's Theatre. What will be next?
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think made Mr. Macky act so wacky in the story?
How did the characters in the book react to Mr. Macky's wackiness? How would you react in a similar situation?
What lesson can we learn from the way Mr. Macky embraces his uniqueness?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected turned out to be fun?
How important is it to accept people for who they are, even if they're different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to mimic the wacky behaviors and events, making the story come alive for your child.
After reading, relate the story to real-life situations where embracing differences made experiences richer or more enjoyable.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and discuss why it stood out to them.
Draw parallels between Mr. Macky’s actions and the importance of staying true to oneself, reinforcing positive self-esteem.
Ask your child to imagine their own 'wacky' character and describe what fun adventures that character might have, fostering creativity and deeper connection to the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embrace Creativity
Explanation: In 'Mr. Macky Is Wacky!', Mr. Macky encourages his students to express themselves through creative writing and unique classroom activities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination in problem-solving and be open to expressing themselves in unique ways in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story exemplifies teamwork as students collaborate on school projects and help each other understand different concepts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of working together to achieve common goals in school projects or in sports.
Example Lesson: Valuing Education
Explanation: Mr. Macky's enthusiastic teaching style portrays learning in a positive light, making it clear that education can be enjoyable and exciting.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to see learning as a fun and engaging activity, enhancing their focus and participation in educational tasks.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: Students in the book learn to respect Mr. Macky and value his unconventional methods, understanding that teachers have their best interests at heart.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to respect their educators and other authority figures, understanding their roles in guidance and mentorship.